Bidborough u13A win by 7 wickets v Linden Park A

Border League – Under 13A Division
Bidborough v Linden Park A
Bidborough won by 7 wickets

Sometimes the game is won on the field, sometimes the game is won in the mind.

Winning the toss and inserting the opposition used to be something that was only ever considered once in a blue moon (in the case of Manchester City that is winning a title once in 45 years – note Elizabeth is a Man City supporter because she did live in south Manchester) but for the second time in a row, the tactic was invoked to let our fast bowlers off the leash. Apart from the first ball which went for four byes – Mark had every reason to say it was four wides – Myles and Ben bowled fast and straight and after 8 overs the score was 15-6! Good bowling, good fielding (catches from Fergus and Duncan) and good captaincy; Duncan moved to that position two balls previously. However, the Linden Park mindset had not helped but Myles (4-6) and Ben (2-5) finished their stints to great acclaim.

Fergus, being watched by as many supporters as candles on his cake, and James took up the mantle and Fergus (1-24) removed a batsman with a swinging yorker after Harry had completed a neat piece of work to force a run out with a return to Mark, who yet again was neat and tidy throughout. Their Newman batted with spirit but we countered with our own Newman and Georgina bowled two overs for two runs for the best economy average – take that, guys. Jordan carried on the good work and despite very forgettable overs from Will and Jonathan, James (1-8) returned to bowl the last over and finally picked up a deserved wicket. Linden Park finished on 74-9 after their 22 overs, possibly a few too many after their start but another thoroughly satisfying overall fielding display. We coaches will keep telling you that fielding will help to win matches so more practice during the week.

After a song at the break to celebrate Fergus’ birthday, we started on the chase but it did not start well. Will had his off stump clipped by a good delivery while Harry played a most unHarry like shot – his watching under 12 district coach had told him not to over exert himself but surely not to this extent. Duncan came and soon went although stayed longer than the previous game and he did open his account. Soon we had our fast bowling duo at the crease and maybe feeling tired from their previous efforts decided to largely score in boundaries – Ben hitting some lovely shots through the covers while Myles, having had a bit of a net, gave warning that a 12 o’clock tennis court booking is not advisable by hitting five sixes in an unbeaten 42 while his partner was on 14. However they will be doing a bit of work on their singles at practice but the game was over in 10 overs at 76-3 allowing a reasonably early finish.

Brian, district coach, was suitably impressed and we continue to improve although still things to work on. Like the Chancellor, the coach only has a Plan A ; the difference is with this group of players, the plan has a very good chance of succeeding. Next up, Withyham at home on Sunday – same plan!